The existence of this specialty proves that can no longer be separated. You cannot treat the mind without the body, and you cannot heal the body without understanding the mind.
Animal welfare science, which evolved largely from within veterinary medicine, relies heavily on behavioral indicators. Practitioners often assess welfare based on the : Freedom from hunger and thirst. Freedom from discomfort. Freedom from pain, injury, or disease. Freedom to express normal behavior. Freedom from fear and distress.
As our understanding of animal cognition grows, the line between behavior and medicine continues to blur. A veterinarian who understands behavior is a more effective healer, and a behaviorist grounded in science is a more accurate interpreter of an animal’s needs. Conclusion
Animal behavior is the visible result of an animal's genetic composition, its environmental context, and its individual life experiences.
